I have never paper pieced before. I dont' think it will be a problem. but, I was wondering what is the best paper to use for it?

Lynette

Tracing paper is good or they say to use the paper that they use to put between hamburger patties. Rips out really nicely. When paper piecing make sure that you tighten your stitch length a bit so that when you tear the stitches don't pull out.

Debbie

The thinner the better!
Hilroy makes a plain writing tablet that's 8X10. That feeds through my printer quite nicely!

You can buy papers made especially for paper piecing. Here's a link to one type.
http://softexpressions.com/software/.../Pap4Found.php

Does anyone know of a tute for paper piecing? I just don't get it :oops: :oops:

Not that I am an expert or anything, but there is a tute on this board under tutorilas.

I am currently working on hot pads using paper piecing, I just googled paper piecing and found plenty of directions, putting them all together I managed to get something.
I used the wax paper(you know for cookies) to trace my patterns. I thought it worked very well, and tore very easily.
One thing I did and worked great is smallet stitches and needle sze 90/14.
It is really not hard, and I like it a lot.

Hope that helps.

Candi

Thanks Candi -- I'll do that!! :-)

I use pages from a phone book, after seeing the suggestion on Bonnie Hunter's website quiltville. They're free, they won't stain my fabric, and they tear away easily. Only downside is for those of you who need 9 1/2 inch squares - the largest you could make is 8 1/2. I do 5 1/2 and 8 1/2.

When I do my paper piecing I use paper especially made for it. Carol Doak is a quilter famous for this method. I took her class many years ago. So if you have the opportunity to get one of her books, and she has beginner books, it would be well worth your time. She also has a web site you can go to. www.caroldoak.com Good Luck, Marge

Carol also has a DVD showing how to paper piece. I watched it before I tried it the first time. Really made the difference for me. See if your library has it.

SewJoyce- My advice is after doing a paper pieced block (pattern from Barb M) and I think Patrice was the other culprit in the evil conspiracy.... you must go to the liquor store and buy alot of wine and then hit the candy shop and stock up on chocolate............ Oh, and they are kind of mean.... after making it sound soooo much fun, they won't even become your AA sponsor when you finally get done with the block. hahahahahahaaa...... :) :) :) :) Okay, here is the truth- it was very fun and easy to do once I got my head wrapped around it. Apparently I had to be smarter than a 5th grader to do the block. And everyone on the board were outstanding in helping me muddle through it. Lucky Terri in Guam was the only one up one night when I needed help. I am pretty sure the project (or me) drove her to drink that night.

I am currently working on the Twisted Log Cabin quilt that is PP. I used vellum paper from Staples. It ran through my printer just fine. (Be sure to check the size of the copy as copiers automatically adjust the size a little - mine had to be set at 99%). And be careful that you put something down on your ironing board cover to protect it as you will want to sew on the side with the ink and when you press, that ink will stick/come off on the cover.

But good luck. I love it as I don't ever have to worry about perfect 1/4 inch seams. And cutting doesn't have to be very accurate either.

LOL -- So you're telling me to go to the liquor store FIRST before I try to do a paper piece block???????????

I like to trace my paper piecing patterns onto light weight muslin and then just go ahead and sew the pieces onto it and never have to rip any of the pattern off.

Cathy, you're a hoot...LOL Well, I guess I could muddle through with what I have. I have some beer in the fridge and I just made chocolate chip cookies the other day..LOL

Thanks all for the advice. I'll take a look next time I'm out (which won't be for while. it's cooold) and see what's available to me. I might try the muslin at first just because someone gave me some that is very low quality and not good for much else.

Lynette

Oh yes, you do need to hit the liquor store. If you're lucky, you might have a neighborhood store that delivers. That way, while you're trying to cut out all those pieces and making several thousand copies of the pattern, your booze can be delivered. And double score bonus, the liquor store might have a crusty candy dish on the counter- have them empty it into your bag- you'll need it.

Be sure to wash it first. It may shrint. I usually wash in hot water and dry in drier and then spray with sizing.

That is good advice... washing and drying your fabric will delay the time where you have to start sewing. Maybe you should rearrange your furniture first...... and alphabetize your spices.

Get any book by Carol Doak out of your local library. Her's are the BEST!!

I just completed a paper pieced full sized quilt and found it not too difficult. :D I made copied on a regular copier as I made 110 eight inch patches. It turned out to be just gorgeous. Will post a photo as soon as I manage to download the photos to the computer. I have downloaded lots of other patterns to paper piece as I too have problems having all my patches coming out the same size! :cry:
Another Sharon

Heh Cathy you know how it affects a girl. Joining AA after my last experience with PP. Its stressful but when once you get the hang of it after the waste paper basket is full.. LOL you get addicted.
I wouldn´t say I actually enjoy PP but it does give wonderful points and makes great blocks.

Elle

Carol Doak is famous for her paper piecing technique and she has a group on yahoo.
She has lots of tutorials there and like this board the group is friendly, very active and helpful.
She also has a DVD out called "Teach Me to Paper Piece" I need to review this myself, but I find it very helpful.
The drawback I find is having to copy each pattern because I don't like messing with my printer.

I really like to paper piece. Some of you may not have seen this quilt I made for our bed. It is queen size.

Oh barbsbus -- that quilt is so cute!!!! (I am just finishing up a baby quilt using the hand embroidered frogs....)

I hope you take a picture of the baby quilt. Would love to see it.